Newspaper Article re: Visit to BC Government

Submitted by: Gloria Gausboel

The last Wednesday morning in March started early for four members of the BC/YK Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. The delegation consisted of Sheila Q. 1st Vice President and Chairperson of Resolutions, Marilyn V. 2nd Vice President and Chairperson of Christian Family Life, Nancy S. Chairperson of Education and Health and myself, Gloria G. Legislation Chairperson. We arrived at the BC Legislature at 8:15 am to check in and obtain security passes. Our first meeting was with members of the New Democrat Official Opposition. The three members of the NDP caucus who attended listened to our presentation on some of our 2006 resolutions and asked questions. In discussion of 2006.04 Renewable Energy we were informed that Canadians are among the highest consumers of energy in the world, several suggestions as to how we can reduce the amount of energy we use were given.

At our next meeting, Caucus Whip Randy Hawes introduced us to about twenty-two members of the Provincial Government caucus. Resolution 2006.01 Religious Freedom, 2006.02 Legal Protection for All Those Who Object to the Solemnization of Civil Marriage for Same-Sex Partners, 2006.03 Increase Old Age Security, 2006.04 Renewable Energy 2006.05 GST Exemption on Funeral Services were presented and discussed. The barn-burning issue in this presentation was Resolution 2006.02, two members of the caucus walked out as they felt this resolution should not have been presented; however, we continued our presentation briefly addressing pornography which has been presented many times and remains an issue of concern. Banning the use of styrofoam was also mentioned and we commended the government for not using disposable dishes in the building. Many MLAs complimented and thanked us for our interesting presentation. The one hour allowed for each meeting passed very quickly.

The Ministry of Education building was the location for our meeting with Pierre Gilbert, Manager of Content & Achievement Standards Unit. Mr. Gilbert discussed the Settlement Agreement between the Correns and the Province of BC and the Curriculum Development and Revision. He explained that once a ‘Response Draft’ has been approved and signed off within the Ministry of Education, it is posted on the Ministry of Education web site for public review and response – i.e., to elicit comments from individuals and groups who are members of the general public. The bottom line is that the Correns have no more rights than you or me. What they got in the agreement they could have received with a simple phone call.

Ms. Robin Pike of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development met with us over lunch. She informed us that BC is the only province that is doing anything with the problem of human trafficking. Robin suggested that discussion is needed in regards to the social impact of 2010 Olympics to be held in Vancouver.

The final event of the day was attending the Legislative Galleries where the Hon. J. van Dongen introduced us to the Assembled House. The hour in the spectators’ gallery passed in a flash as we listened to interesting, lively and noisy debates between the government and the opposition.

The delegates felt that, while we had a busy day, it was productive, educational, a wonderful experience and that we were all proud to represent The Catholic Women’s League, voicing members’ issues of concern to our BC & Yukon Provincial Government. A resolution is one members concern becoming the voice of the League!

Gloria G….